Clock ticking on fight against terrorism: PM

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that there is a need to work collectively on war-footing basis to get rid of the menace of terrorism, and vowed that in this regard the federal government will provide all possible help.In a meeting, which was chaired by him, on law and order, Sindh chief secretary and DG Rangers gave a detailed briefing to the prime minister about the overall law and order situation in Karachi. The chief secretary informed the meeting that the targeted operation is moving in the right direction, as targeted killings have decreased. Moreover, he apprised that 10,000 policemen have already been recruited and will be trained. The prime minister advised that a joint plan should be devised by the Sindh government, Interior Ministry and armed forces for training of these new police recruits so that they can effectively counter the menace of terrorism. Karachi corps commander assured that Pakistan Army will provide full support and cooperation to the Sindh Police with regards to human resources and technical assistance.Prime Minister Nawaz appreciated the efforts of the Sindh government, police, Rangers, army and intelligence agencies for conducting a coordinated targeted operation in Karachi and called for intensifying it. “We all have to work on war-footing basis to get rid of the menace of terrorism and in this regard the federal government will provide all possible help,” he said. The prime minister also held a consultative meeting with prominent businessmen, civil society representatives and media persons. He said that government is doing its best to restore peace in Karachi, but it is the collective responsibility of all segments of society to restore Karachi to its past glory. Nawaz Sharif invited practicable suggestions from the participants regarding improving the overall situation of Karachi. Meanwhile, announcing various projects and funds for the city, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that the government will not rest until Karachi’s status as “city of lights” is restored. Chairing a separate meeting on development projects at the Governor House’s on Thursday, the prime minister announced the Rapid Bus Transport System to be called “Green Line” in Karachi that will be fully funded by the federal government. He announced release of Rs 55 billion for acquisition of land for Karachi-Lahore motorway and early completion of Gaddani Power Park and two power projects at Port Qasim. “I know that expansion of Karachi has resulted in acute water shortage and we will resolve this issue on priority basis,” said the prime minister. He announced approval of greater water supply scheme for the city under which water will be supplied from Keenjhar Lake. The prime minister said that the federal government will bear 50% (Rs 6.5 billion) of the total cost of the project. Earlier, upon arrival in the city, the prime minister visited the residence of late Mir Khair Bux Marri and offered condolences to his family. Also, an MQM delegation led by Deputy Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Governor’s House to discuss various issues of Karachi. The meeting was held in a pleasant atmosphere, in which Prime Minister Nawaz was thoroughly briefed about the current and proposed development projects in the mega city. Among those present in the meeting were Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farooq Sattar, Babar Khan Ghouri and Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan. Nawaz Sharif approved 260MGD excess water in the first stage for Karachiites through K-4 Project. For Karachi Mass Transit Project, Nawaz approved Rs 14 billion.